Researchers on the planet have about half a million islands, of which at least 10 claim to be the smallest. The size of the island is comparable to a small summer cottage: 46 x 16 meters.

Bishop Rock is located off the southwestern coast of Great Britain. It is part of the Scilly archipelago, which includes more than 140 marine formations of various sizes.
The unique parameters of Bishop Rock are recognized not only in words. The status of the smallest built-up island in the world is confirmed by the Guinness Book of Records.

Who lives on the smallest island?

Due to the small area, it is impossible to call the island inhabited. All that was able to be located on the territory of Bishop Rock is a 50-meter lighthouse.

The building for navigation works autonomously, without requiring the constant presence of a caretaker. Technical personnel regularly come to the island to check the serviceability of the internal systems of the lighthouse. The rest of the time the design is empty. Nevertheless, the lighthouse is ready to receive guests all year round - no more than four curious tourists.

Interesting fact: We managed to build a reliable operating lighthouse on the island of Bishop Rock only on the second attempt. The first construction for navigation was destroyed under the onslaught of the elements.

Lighthouse history

Located in the depths of the ocean, the islands of the Scilly archipelago now and then became the cause of shipwrecks. In 1847, after a series of tragic incidents, Bishop Rock decided to turn it into a lighthouse.The construction was almost completed when, under the next onslaught of the waves, the structure completely collapsed.

The construction of a new lighthouse, the architects reacted with greater responsibility. The building was based on granite blocks weighing more than 2.5 thousand tons. Over the years, the design has been strengthened additionally and weighs more than 6 thousand tons.

Today, an island with an area of ​​just over 700 square meters regularly performs its function - it shows the way for long-distance ships. Bishop Rock receives energy from solar panels to give a light signal in the form of a white flash 4 times a minute. At the top of the lighthouse, a helicopter landing pad is equipped.

The smallest island in the world is visible from afar: it is visible from a distance of more than 35 kilometers. A small plot of land amidst stormy waters attracts sailors and tourists with a rich history.